The coastal community of Volusia County in Central Florida boasts a beachside destination fit for avid adventurers.
Its varied terrain and long stretches of beaches are only some of its acclaimed attractions.
I especially loved its collection of well-rounded resorts and quiet but inviting communities.
But what drew me to this Florida county more was its air of mystery and intrigue not usually touched on by many residents and tourists.
The origin of its name, for example, was the subject of at least three theories, which was a fun fact that I had a delight knowing.
Its county seat, DeLand, stands out in historic charm with it being the home to Florida’s oldest college, Stetson University.
Municipalities like Dayton Beach and New Smyrna Beach have also been a tourist-favorite since forever.
Stay with me, because below, I’ll be enumerating the 15 best things to do in Volusia County, Florida, that I think you should try out for yourself.
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Summer is not all year but, at De Leon Springs State Park, it feels like it.
This state park is notable for its recreational swimming opportunities.
But what stood out to me during my visit to this place is its embedded history.
Before becoming the state park it is today, this attraction was once a winter resort and, before that, a place of refuge for the Macaya Indians.
They even called the freshwater Acuera or “Healing Waters”.
Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This information was with me as I went on a boat tour of the place and as I followed the trail leading to the forest within the property.
De Leon Springs State Park is on Ponce De Leon Boulevard.
This spot is within the majestic borders of De Leon Springs.
Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
In Ormond Beach, nothing quite caught my eye than Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens.
This historic site is a fusion of art and nature that I will continue to recommend to people visiting Volusia County.
Established in 1946, this gallery-and-garden-in-one features a range of temporary art exhibits.
I was glad I came to visit because the creative space that this gallery exudes gave me enough artistic inspiration.
Outside into the gardens, it felt like I was stepping into another world.
With crafted sculptures and memorials dedicated to war veterans, the memorial gardens offered a breathtaking sight.
It also gave me the time to meditate and reflect on myself amongst beautiful blossoms.
Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens sits along East Granada Boulevard.
Andrea Westmoreland from DeLand, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Marine Science Center continues to be on my top list of will-visit-again attractions.
This marine life center specializes in a variety of ocean wildlife and habitats.
I particularly loved the display tanks and learning more about the native animals and creatures within this part of Florida.
Andrea Westmoreland from DeLand, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
I also got to witness the facility’s rehab sessions, which was a great eye-opener for me.
This place is truly a hidden gem, and I can’t wait for you to try it on your visit to Volusia County.
The Marine Science Center is on Lighthouse Drive, which is in Ponce Inlet.
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It’s always a waterfront wonder at Smyrna Dunes Park in the city of New Smyrna Beach.
This inlet park stretches to about 184 acres of promised outdoor fun.
It is as unique as it can get, with its expansive views of not only the Atlantic Ocean but also the Ponce de Leon Inlet and the Indian River.
Andrea Westmoreland from DeLand, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
I enjoyed walking by the shoreline and across the boardwalk and its informative signages regarding the wildlife and native flora within the park.
This park is also a pet-friendly space, and I even got to witness cute pups with their owners enjoying the natural and manmade amenities of the site.
Smyrna Dunes Park is on North Peninsula Avenue.
Andrea Westmoreland from DeLand, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A magical wonderland awaits you at Horseshoe Park and Fairy Trail.
This outdoor attraction blends in the whimsical and the naturesque since 2012.
This park got its name Horseshoe because of its circular shape when viewed from above.
Decorating its short trail are sculptures of magical creatures, including pixies and fairies.
Though there are only two formal photo opportunities within this trail, my eyes were in for a pleasant surprise with the scattered fairy homes all over the park.
I also enjoyed trekking the labyrinth and passing by uneven terrain and harsh slopes as this only added to the fairytale look of the place.
Horseshoe Park and Fairy Trail is within the Psychic Capital of Cassadaga, specifically on Palmer Street.
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Daytona International Speedway is one of Dayton Beach’s most anticipated stops.
And I’ll tell you why.
This racing venue has gathered race lovers and sports car enthusiasts from all over the world.
Aside from its 1.25-mile oval track, this facility also has a special museum that I had a fun time exploring on my own.
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The Motorsports Hall of Fame Museum has interactive exhibits that you can enjoy just like I did.
One of these is the NASCAR Cup Series “door car”, which I took plenty of pictures of and even got to sit in the driver’s seat.
Daytona International Speedway opens its doors to everyone on West International Speedway Boulevard.
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The semi-private Crane Lakes Golf and Country Club is a must-visit if your idea of a fun time involves golf and the vast outdoors.
Its 18-hole golf course was a pleasant surprise to me, more so that it was fit for every golfer of any skill level.
Its gentle slopes and pond are only some of the course’s features that I appreciate most.
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The facility’s practice range is magnificent with its pitching and putting ranges.
I had a fun time warming up on these ranges.
Crane Lakes Golf and Country Club is in Port Orange.
You can reach it along Crane Lakes Boulevard.
Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
DeBary Hall Historic Site makes history come to life with its 19th-century estate.
This DeBary landmark spans about 10 acres and offers a peep into the luxurious living of people in the 1870s.
Aside from being of historical significance, the property is a masterpiece of period art, including its treasures of artifacts and preserved furnishings.
The mansion was a pleasure to visit.
I liked its accompanying walking trails outside, too, which only add to the otherworldly glow of the place.
I also got to learn about the history of the St. Johns River.
DeBary Hall Historic Site opens its doors for you, me, and every other visitor on Sunrise Boulevard.
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Have an eye for shiny things?
I offer you the Gillespie Museum.
This one-of-a-kind earth science museum resides within the southeast section of Stetson University’s DeLand Campus.
Within its walls is one of the largest collections of gemstones and minerals in this part of Florida.
I also got a glimpse of some fascinating rocks and fossils, including some fun facts about their origins and natural habitats.
The facility has a kids’ area where children can dig up buried fossils, too.
So, should you plan to visit this museum, come with your little ones.
Within the city of DeLand, the Gillespie Museum makes its presence known on East Michigan Avenue.
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In true Florida fashion, Blue Spring State Park brings out the beauty of water-based stops only exclusive to the local community’s culture.
This natural jewel borders the serene waters of St. Johns River.
It offers a variety of aquatic activities, including fishing, camping, and picnicking.
My favorite things to do while at this park are scuba diving and paddling.
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I even got to see a few sea cows while on my boat and some birds while getting to the park’s swimming hole.
Its boardwalk and trail are ideal for my hiking preferences too.
Blue Spring State Park is on West French Avenue in Orange City.
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If you’re a fan of all things spooky, I recommend stopping by the Haunted Antique Shop and Paranormal Museum.
Situated along New York Avenue West, this museum is all about gentle hauntings as opposed to the usual haunted mansions.
With a massive collection of antiques and spiritual artifacts, I had the time of my life exploring the trinkets and curiosities onsite.
I even got to request a special tarot reading, which was a new but exciting experience.
More of an active adventurer?
The museum also offers ghost hunts, murder mystery parties, and even writing workshops.
The Haunted Antique Shop and Paranormal Museum is a DeLand attraction residing within a 1920 Craftsman bungalow.
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Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum took me on a marvelous trip to the past.
And I’m sure it would be the same for you.
This historical landmark has been one of Ponce Inlet’s points of pride since 1887, the year of its construction.
Now, decades into the present, this still-functioning lighthouse is open to visitors looking for majestic inlet views of the Florida Coast.
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It’s no wonder I found the climb to this lighthouse one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had in Volusia County.
Its surrounding property with its historical structures and dwellings also solidified my wholesome trip to Central Florida’s interesting history.
You can get to Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum when you drive along South Peninsula Drive.
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The Casements is an Ormond Beach hotspot that brims with history, art, and culture.
This spot features a Shingle-style mansion that once served as the winter home of John D. Rockefeller and a 2-acre garden surrounding it.
Now, the place is a cultural and historical center that welcomes visitors from Monday to Saturday.
What I liked most about the site is its historic furnishings and permanent displays that are free for everyone to view.
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The tour I got to sign up for was informative and detailed, just the way I liked it.
I also went inside the place’s gift shop decked out in all sorts of memorabilia and costume jewelry.
The Casements—or the Jewel of Ormond Beach, as many call it—is off of Riverside Drive.
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The city of Port Orange offers the charming Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens.
This garden, also going by the name Gardens of Volusia, is one of the free spots within the county that I enjoyed touring.
It was once a mill site back in the early 1800s.
At 10 acres, this spot comes with a colorful assortment of flowers and even dinosaur sculptures.
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I also got to see a human-sized sundial and demonstration gardens that cultivated my love for horticulture.
But if I had to choose one special feature within this garden, it would have to be the gnome village.
The trails were an interesting hike for me, too.
If you’re coming with a child to Volusia County, be sure Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens is within your itinerary!
Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens sits along Old Sugar Mill Road.
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Andrea Westmoreland from DeLand, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge in De Leon Springs ticks off every checkbox on the criteria for an ideal woodland getaway.
This spot was originally a migratory bird refuge since its establishment in 1964.
It features a wide range of aquatic habitats, including hardwood swamps, freshwater marshes, and a series of canals and lakes.
I loved traversing its 15-mile flat trails that took me to the varied ecosystems in the site and its wildlife.
Andrea Westmoreland from DeLand, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Some of the activities I got to enjoy while within the place include fishing and birdwatching.
The peace and serenity of the environment certainly helped me enjoy the slice of nature it offered.
The 21,000-acre Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge is accessible via Mud Lake Road.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/andrea_pauline/, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Volusia County’s roster of huge-end attractions is not the be-all-end-all reason why many consider this county a vacation spot.
Its love for history, beaches, and a deep sense of community are also key factors why many can never get enough of this place—myself included.
From the list above of the best things to do in Volusia County, Florida, do you have a favorite?
Go and see what this county has to offer on your next travels!
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